Central Mixed-grass PrairieDescription: The central mixed-grass prairie extends
from the edge of shortgrass prairie on the west to the beginning of
the tallgrass prairie and savanna-like habitat to the east. Large areas
in the center of this region have been converted to agriculture, though
extensive areas of high-quality grassland in the Nebraska Sandhills
and excellent shrublands in Texas remain. The BCR includes some of the
best habitat for priority species such as Greater Prairie-Chicken, Scissor-tailed
Flycatcher and Grasshopper Sparrow.Dickcissel abundance is centered
squarely over this BCR. In winter this BCR hosts large numbers of Harriss
Sparrow. Sandbars along the larger rivers host a large percentage of
the continents breeding Interior Least Terns. Riparian woodland
areas host Red-headed Woodpeckers and the continents highest Mississippi
Kite population. The region is a continentally important migration area
for shorebirds and is home to three recognized Western
Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network sites for priority shorebirds,
including American Avocet, Semipalmated Sandpiper and Buff-breasted
Sandpiper.An estimated 90 percent of all the worlds White-rumped
Sandpipers migrate through central Kansas in the spring. Between 10
and 14 million waterfowl migrate through Nebraska and utilize the staging
habitat in the seasonal, depressional rainwater basins and other wetlands.
The mid-continent population of Northern Pintail and White-fronted Goose
are particularly dependent on these wetland resources. However, wetland
drainage, modification and sediment accumulation have jeopardized the
integrity of these important landscape features. Conservation efforts
of these resources center on the conversion of agricultural lands back
to healthy grasslands and wetlands. For further information on this
region, visit the Playa Lakes Joint Venture website: www.pljv.org or
the Nebraska Rainwater Basin Joint Venture website: www.rwbjv.org.